Egypt celebrated a remarkable achievement as students Mariam El-Qady and Malak Maged Abu Wadi won second place globally and a special award at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2025, held in the United States from May 10 to 16. Representing the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Science and Engineering Fair (BASEF) 2025, their innovative project, *Nightingale: Sleep Wave Simulation*, captivated judges and showcased Egypt’s rising prominence in global scientific innovation.
Breakthrough in Sleep Science
The *Nightingale* project, developed by El-Qady and Abu Wadi, explores cutting-edge sleep wave simulation technology, offering potential applications in improving sleep quality and addressing sleep-related disorders. Their work, selected from 111 projects at BASEF 2025, earned them a spot to represent Egypt at Regeneron ISEF, the world’s premier pre-university science competition, where over 1,500 students from more than 40 countries showcased their research.
The duo’s second-place finish and special award highlight their scientific ingenuity and Egypt’s growing role in fostering young talent. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s Planetarium Science Center (PSC), which organizes BASEF annually, played a pivotal role in preparing the students for this international stage, nurturing innovation among youth aged 14–18 across Egypt’s governorates.
As El-Qady and Abu Wadi return home with their accolades, their achievement serves as a beacon for aspiring scientists across the nation. The Ministry of Social Solidarity and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina have pledged to continue supporting such initiatives, ensuring that Egypt’s youth remain at the forefront of global innovation.